Boiler cleaner



H. T. WEIS BOILER CLEANER Sept. l', 1936.

AOriginal Filed Abril 24, 1953 2 Sheets-3h96?, 1

km. um..

INVENTOR BY; 051e MA, i. 29C

ATTORNEY Sept. 1, 1936.

, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 24 INVENTOR BY 56W a. of

ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 1, 1936 PATENT OFFIQE BOILER CLEANER Henry T. Weis, New York, N. Y., assignor to Diamond Power Specialty Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application April 24, 1933, Serial No. 667,573 Renewed January 24, 1936 14 Claims.

The invention is directed to an improvement in boiler cleaners, particularly of the type wherein a nozzled element is located within the boiler setting and is provided with nozzles for the discharge of cleaning fluid adjacent the parts of the boiler to be cleaned.

In particular, the invention resides in the provision of iiuidcooled means to protect the cleaner element from the heat of the combustion chamber, and to provide fiuid cooled means for the support of the cleaner element.

A -In one of its aspects, the .invention is an improvement over my prior Patent 1,849,737, issued Marchl, 1932.

v VYOther features and advantages of the inventloniwill be apparent as the description proceeds, reference being had to the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in-section, showing the invention applied 2Qr toa boiler of the` water tube type;

.Figure 2 isa fragmentary detail, taken as regards the element, bearings, and boiler tubes,

substantially on line 2 2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3` is an enlarged section on line 3 3 of Figure 1;

VFigure 4 Vis a diagrammatic View of the piping connections;'

Figure 5Ais a longitudinal section through the operating head; and

30,` .Figure 6 is a longitudinal section, partly in elevation and broken away, of a modification.

In Figure l is indicated the application of one form of the invention to a boiler of the conventional water tube type. In this figure is shown the installation as it would be applied to one-half of a pair of boilers set in battery, the other boiler beingf omitted. I designates the outside wall of the boiler and 2 the battery or dividing wall between the boiler shown and the adjacent boiler not shown. Opening 4 is provided in boiler wall I Vin which is fixed Wall box 3. Through this opening extends the nozzled cleaner element designated generally by the reference character 6 extending adjacent the boiler tubes 8 from whichit is supported-by the water cooled hangers orbearings l. The operating head located outside of boiler vwall I is indicated generally by the reference character 5. In this head the nozzled cleaner element is journalled' and from this head 5() it receives the cleaning fluid and the. cooling iiuid. The head is also provided with suitable operating means for rotating the nozzled cleaner element.- i

gAs canY best be seen by Figure 3, the nozzled 553 cleaner element comprises essentially, in this modication, three concentric tubes. The outer tube III is fixed as by set screws 58 to an inner tube II. To this inner tube II is supplied a cleaning iiuid, preferably a liquid such as water, in a manner to be hereinafter described. From 5 thisgtube II the cleaning uid is discharged through opening I6 in the outer tube I0. Welded at I3 to tube II is the nozzle supply tube I2, which, in turn, is welded or brazed to tube I0 through the pad I5 to which it is Welded as at I4. 10 It is an essential feature of this nozzle construction that flexibility is provided to take account of differential expansion between the outer tube I0 and the inner tube II due to probable differences in temperature to which these tubes may 15 be subjected. It has been, heretofore, observed to be a fault of water jacketed elements of conventional construction in which the nozzle in the outer tube is supplied directly by a short tube leading from the inner tube that differential ex- 20 pansion causes leakage in the nozzle, either at the outer or the inner tube, thus permitting escape of the cooling liquid or fluid which passes through the jacket or space between the inner and outer tubes. It will be readily evident that 25 the construction of the tube I2 is such as to afford ample exibility thus taking account of any strain which might be developed between the tube I2 and its connection to tube II or tube I0 due to possible differential expansion between 30 these tubes I0 and II. This particular nozzle construction is an essential feature of the instant invention.

Cleaning fluid admitted to the interior of tube II is discharged through opening I6 adjacent 35 the portions of the boiler heating surface to be cleaned, such as the tubes 8.

The construction of the nozzled cleaner element is completed by the innermost concentric tube I1 which forms a part of the cooling fluid 40 circulation system to be hereinafter described. As indicated in Figure 1 the outer tube I is closed by a suitable Welded plug 55. At the end of the middle tube II is provided the plug 66 through which passes the cooling fluid circulat- 45 ing tube I'I opening into space I8 formed at'the end of outer tube I0. In the form shown the inner circulating tube I'I is stationary, while the outer tube I0 and the cleaning fluid conducting tube II are fixed together and rotate together as a unit. Any suitable construction may be provided in the closure 66 of the tube II, such as a packing gland or the like, not shown, to prevent leakage of the cooling uid or liquid, such as water. into the cleaning uid supply pipe II. It

20 26 and 54.

2 l is obvious that this innermost cooling fluid circulating pipe Il could be fixed and rotatable with the other pipes lil land il, depending upon the type of joint made in the stationary operating r5 head outside the boiler wall.

The construction of the stationary operating head 5, located outside the boiler wall, can best be seen by reference to Figure 5.' This comprises essentially the stationary fitting i8 to which is l joined the stationary cleaning fluid supply elbow. j

25 as by threaded collar 23 in conjunction with threaded collar 64. Fixed to the outboard endof, the outer tube I 8 is nipple i9 which makes a rotatable ,fluid 15 tight joint in the stationary ttingl by means 5 members to insure free rotatability of the tubularY members in the stationary tting i8, while, at the same time,V compress-ing the gasket member sufficiently to insure a fluid tight joint. The innermost piperfll extends outwardly through 30the elbow 25, which elbow is provided with a boss Z8 receiving the packing gland 29. -The end of tubeY I1 is fitted with theV elbow 30 having the threaded opening'3l. l Y 'n l Circulation of the cooling fluid and the course 35 of the cleaning iluid can readily be seenby reference'to Figure 5. vrThreaded opening 32 is p rovided on vthe stationary `member I8 to which opening is connected the supply line 35. Cooling iluid is-conveniently water from any convenient 40.source. Thisflows in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 5, through the space between tubes ID and Il to the space i8 formed in the end of the outer tube "l. Here Vit is returned Ythrough the tube ll inthe-direction of the arrow B from 45 which-it is discharged through opening 3l to any suitable point'of disposal through the line 33. Thevcleaningiuid, which may be water, steam, airV or the like, is supplied through line 34 litting in opening 21 and passes through the'space be- 50 tween tubes I I and I l in the direction of the arrow Cin Figure 5. As-pointed out above, the connection oftube ll to the' stationary head could be readily modified as by changing the type of joint 29 so that this inner tube l'i couldbe 55 fixed to and rotatable with tubes IU and l l. 'I'his is no essential feature of the present invention and is not further shown. Y

It is an important feature of the present invention-that the bearings or supports for the noz'- zled cleaner tube 6 are formed of tubular membersthrough which a cooling uid orvliquid, such as water, is circulated. These bearings consist, essentially, of a number ofU-bends l to which 657Water is supplied .from the line il extending througlropening i8 to the outside of theboiler. These tubular members constituting the bearings and the supply pipes therefor may be made up in any convenient sections, connected by cou- 701plings as at 49. i At 50 is designated the outlet froml the bearing circulating system which may be conveniently led to Vthe front of the boiler through an opening I formed in-the batteryV wall 2V. It is obvious that the method of leading. 751the cooling fluid or liquid to the bearings and means, such asfthe bolts 40.

the method of taking the cooling liquid therefrom may be varied to suit conditions.

It will thus be seen that applicant has provided means to cool the nozzled cleaner element and to support the cooled nozzled cleaner element on bearing or hanger members which'are also fluid cooled. This makes possible the location of the element and bearing in locations or in zones thought'heretofore impossible. This can readily be seen by a glance at Figure 2. Here the cleaner lunit is shown located beneath the lowermost tube of the boiler and at a considerable distance from the boiler header 38. It should be herev pointed below the lowermost tube of the boiler to locate this closely adjacent the uptake header 38 and provide a special protecting tile underneath the unit. The cooling influence of the header 38 which, of course, is filled with water appreciably prolongs the life of an element located adjacent or close to the header inthe standard position.

lOV

" out that it is usual practice in locating a unit In the case of inventor-s unit, however, this can belocated ata considerable distance from the header, as shown in Figure 2, there being no necessary disturbance of the front arch 36 or the special protecting tile 37 yordinarily applied toprotect the bottom of header 38.

In Figure 4 is shown diagrammatically the piping connections to and from the bearings, to and from the 4jacket surrounding the nozzled cleaner element and also the source of cleaning fluid to the element itself.V The cooling uid applied to the bearings` through line 41 may be preferablyV Coldwater from any suitable source. Inrlike manner, thecooling fluid applied to the jacket through line may also be 'cold water taken from any suitable source. As before pointed out, the cleaning fluid used innozzled element l I `may be steam, air or water. In case water is used, this may be conveniently taken from the boiler feed or :blow-down line. 52, this water being led through' valve 53 and associated lines to equaliz-v before the water is passed to the nozzle cleaner element in order to minimize the amount of sediment, scale or the like which passes to the nozzledv cleaner element.

The means for rotatingv the nozzledV cleaner element' assembly will now be described. Bracket39 is fixed in the boiler wall4 by'any suitable Mounted on this bracket are the bearings 4l between which extends shaft 42. .Fixed to this shaft is the pinion 43 and sheave wheel 45 with which is associated chain 46. Fixed tothe tubular member l0 where it extends outsidethe boilerwall is the large gear 44 engaging the pinion 43. Rotation of the sheave wheel 45 is thus seen toV rotate the outer tubular member I0 and with it, of course, the nozzled cleaner tube Il. A suitable clamping member 61 surrounds the tube IB, being fixed to collar inwhich the tube I El is rotatable. The member 61 is fixed in any suitable manner to bracket 39 to. thereby maintain suitable registry or engagement of the pinion 43r and gear 44 at all times.

The application shown particularly in Figure l is, as stated, adapted for use in connection with boilers kset in battery. VIt isalso applicable in the VIl.

case of wide boilers in which .adouble installation of units is necessary; one unit coming in from each side and-extending substantially-tol midway of .the boiler.- In .this1case, ofcourse, 'a' slightly different arrangementV of `the 4return line 50 from the bearingsl vwill be necessary,although in generalthis line could be led to the .front of the boiler in the manner described with reference: torFigure 1. i g..

In Figure 6 is shown a somewhat simiplied modificatinapplicable in the case of a single set boiler of relatively narrow width. In this case the cooling fluid or liquid for the nozzled cleaner element may be conveniently taken out the opposite side of the boiler, eliminating the necessity of the return circulating tube l1, with its associated connections.

In this case the element comprises only two concentric tubes, the outer tube I being fixed as by set screws 58 to the inner or nozzled tube Tube l2 connects the cleaning fluid tube H to opening I6' in the manner hereinbefore described. Connected to tube I0' is the nipple I9 engaging the stationary member I8 and forming a fiuid tight rotatable connection therewith, the gasket 20 and collar 2| being provided in the manner hereinbefore described. Fixed to the end of the cleaner tube I l is the disc 22' which forms a fluid tight rotatable joint with the stationary fitting I 8 and the elbow 25 in the manner hereinbefore described. Cleaning fluid to the cleaner tube I I' is admitted through opening 2l in elbow 25', the distal or outboard end of the cleaner element Il being closed as at 69. Outside the opposite boiler wall is located the stationary elbow 59 provided with threaded opening 63 through which the cooling fluid or liquid may be discharged. Threadably fixed to the end of tube Ill is the nipple 60 which rotatably engages the stationary elbow 59 and forms a fiuid tight connection therewith. The construction at this end to effect this result is similar to that described for the opposite end of the element, a special gasket member 62 and the collar 6l being provided for this purpose.

The invention has been described as a boiler cleaner associated with a boiler to clean the heating surfaces of the boiler. It is obvious that it is just as fully applicable to fluid heater cleaners or apparatuses of other types and where the term boiler is used, it is intended to be synonymous with fluid heater. In like manner, where the term boiler cleaner is used, it is intended to be synonymous with fluid heater cleaner.

While applicant has shown in detail two different methods of applying his invention, it is obvious that other possible arrangements might be employed.

The description is illustrative only, therefore, and is not definitive of the limits of the inventive idea. The right is, therefore reserved to make such changes in details of construction and arrangement of parts as will fall within the purview of the attached claims.

What I claim is:

l. In a boiler cleaner, a nozzled cleaner element and means to support the element comprising a fluid circulating pipe axially bent to engage said cleaner element at spaced points only throughout its length and a source of fluid supe ply for said fluid circulating pipe independent of the boiler circulation.

`2. In a boiler cleaner, a nozzled cleaner element and a support therefor, said support comprsing a tubular member axially bent to embrace thefcleanerelement-.at spaced points throughout the. lengththereof and means independent of the boiler circulation. to supply afluid under pressure to said'tubular member. i

1 3. A' support for a boiler cleaner element co.. prising a tubular member, portions of said tubular member Vbeing axially bent to at least partially embrace` the cleaner element at spaced points throughout `the length thereof, a plurality ofccnnections to said tubular member extending outside theboiler setting; and means to supply a uidfzunder pressure to one of said connections.

4. A support for a boiler cleaner element comprising a tubular member, portions of said tubular member being axially bent to at least partially embrace the cleaner element at spaced points throughout the length thereof, a plurality of connections to said tubular member extending outside the boiler setting, and means independent of the boiler circulation to supply water under pressure to one of said connections.

5. A support for a boiler cleaner element comprising a fiuid cooled tubular member having portions axially bent to at least partially embrace the cleaner element at spaced points throughout the length thereof, and a cooling fluid supply connection for said tubular member extending outside the boiler setting.

6. A fluid cooled support for a boiler cleaner element comprising a plurality of pipes each axially bent to form a U-shaped portion, means connecting said pipes, and a tubular member extending outside the boiler setting and connected to one of said pipes to supply a cooling fluid to all of said pipes to cool the same.

'7. A support for a movable blower pipe comprising a plurality of elements so constructed as to partially embrace a blower pipe at spaced points throughout the length thereof when the blower pipe is installed in a boiler, and means providing a passage for supplying cooling fluid to all of said elements.

8. A support for a movable blower pipe comprising a plurality of elements so constructed as to partially embrace a blower pipe at spaced points throughout the length thereof when the blower pipe is installed in a boiler, and means extending longitudinally of said blower pipe and above the same providing a passage for supplying a cooling fluid to all of said elements.

9. A support for a movable blower element, comprising a fxedly mounted fluid cooled element so constructed as to extend longitudinally of said blower element when the latter is installed in a boiler and having a portion engaging said blower element at a point intermediate the ends thereof.

10. A fixed supporting bearing for a movable blower element, comprising a fluid cooled element so constructed as to extend longitudinally of said blower element and above the same when the blower element is installed in a boiler, said fluid cooled element having a portion partially embracing said blower element at a point intermediate the ends thereof.

1l. A support for a movable blower element, comprising a fixedly mounted tubular element so constructed as to extend longitudinally of said blower element when the latter is installed in a boiler and having portions engaging said blower element at spaced points throughout the length thereof, and means for supplying cooling fluid to said tubular element.

12. A support for a movable blower element, comprising a tubular element so constructed as to extend longitudinally ofsaid blower element,

above the samewhen the blower element is installed in a boiler and having portions extending underneath saidblower element at spaced points throughoutvthe ,length thereof, and means for supplying a cooling fluid-'to said tubular element.

13. A support for a rotatable blower element comprising a tubular element extending longitudinally of said blower elementvabove and in spaced'relation to the same, said tubular element having depending U-Vshaped portions in which the blower element. is journalled, and means for supplying'a coolinguid to, said tubular element tatably journalled in the loops formed by said` Y pipe sections',ra.nd means for supplying a cooling fluid to said tubular elements and said pipe vsecr*- tions. Y e

HENRY T. VWEIS. Y 

